Have you ever looked around an unorganized space and felt anxious, hopeless, or overwhelmed? You may not realize it, but your environment can directly impact how you think and feel. There is link between depression and a messy home. When you declutter your space, this also declutters your mind. Even a small action like folding a shirt can have a staggering impact on your mood. Read below to find out why and what you can do next!
Can Cleaning Impact Your Mental Health?
Our environment is often a direct reflection of our emotions, and it can also go in the opposite direction. If your space is messy, disorganized, or cluttered, this may make you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. And on the opposite spectrum, when you feel depressed, cleaning can often become the last thing you may want to do.
It is very common for people with depression to feel overwhelmed by cleaning or struggle to get the motivation to begin. So, if you’re feeling that way, remember that it is entirely normal. It only takes one small step to start moving forward on the path to recovery. Taking the time to clean even a tiny space of your home can have a surprising impact on your mental wellbeing.
3 Ways to Address Both Depression and an Unorganized Lifestyle
- Reach Out for Support
If you struggle with depression and feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning or organizing, know that you are not alone. There are also many resources, people, and organizations that can support you in this process. Try reaching out to friends and family to help you begin. Or you can contact a professional cleaning or organizing service to help you take this first step. - Do One Thing at a Time
Over time, it is common for disorganization to build up, and looking at a long to-do list can make any person feel hopeless. Rather than trying to do it all at once, try doing only one thing at a time. Make a goal to clean off a small area of the room and see how you feel. By breaking these tasks into small 5-minute increments, you can slowly build some momentum. - Be Compassionate Towards Yourself
One of the biggest roadblocks for a person with depression to address a messy home is the feelings of shame or guilt. There is often a stigma associated with an unorganized space, which is why it is so important to separate these ideas in your mind. Give yourself some grace and compassion, it is entirely understandable why things have occurred this way, and you have nothing to blame yourself for. You are still a wonderful human being, no matter what your room looks like.
Get Back on Track with Eastside TMS and Wellness Center
Depression happens much more frequently than we realize. But the good news is that there are many ways to address it and start feeling happier. At Eastside TMS and Wellness Center in Bellevue, WA, we specialize in treating depression. Reach out to us today to take the first step on your journey through healing; we will be with you every step of the way.
